600 is something to talk

Cardozo High School basketball coach Ron Naclerio.

Cardozo basketball is a big part of Cardozo HS. Boasting three NBA and Dwayne Causewell, as well as 81 division one collegiate basketball players, makes the program one of the best- if not the best in the city. The program is highly regarded nationally as well. A lot is written as players. "I refuse to see a kid fail academically because they are going to fail in life," says Naclerio. And he's not just a talker, the man has benched even his best players at times if they had failed or neglected attending classes. With 600 wins, 81 division one players, and 3 NBA players on his resume, about the success on the court, yet the backbone of the team, is coach Ron Naclerio.

Naclerio, a Cardozo alumnus himself, has coached Cardozo boys basketball team for over three decades, winning many awards and sharing the glory with his players.

Each year, the plaques and trophies the team amasses serve a testament to Naclerio's success. Now, add one more to that list -600 wins. In convincing fashion, the Cardozo Judges defeated Half Hollows Hills High School 64-48, giving Naclerio his much deserved 600th victory. With the victory, Naclerio joins an exclusive club consisting of Campus Magnet coach Charles Granby and Molloy coach Jack Curran as the only coaches to notch at least 600 wins in New York City.

Ron Naclerio is undoubtedly competitive; he holds practice for his team throughout the week without even resting on weekends. Moreover, summertime is not playtime for the Judges. Every summer, varsity players participate in vigorous workouts and play for several teams in order to cater to his demanding standards. While it might seem as if Naclerio only cares about winning, it's simply a myth.

When asked about his ultimate goal, Naclerio didn't mention another PSAL title or a coaching position on the professional level. Instead, his priorities lie in his

why isn't this man coaching in college or the NBA? "I speak my mind, and sometimes, people don't like that," says Naclerio. "Some say I just don't dress the part." Naclerio is well known outside the high school circuit; every year, NBA players fly him out to extravagant locations like Los Angeles to help them elevate their games.

Going into the 2010-2011 basketball season, the Cardozo Judges were disregarded by many and overlooked after losing all but one starting player from last year's PSAL runner up team. Fast forward three months; the Judges have amassed a 22-1 record and a PSAL best 14-0 in league games.

"We are the hardest working team in NYC," says Naclerio. However, there is controversy that this season's success is credited to a soft schedule as speculated by the NY Post.

"The Post [writer] doesn't know anything," says Naclerio. "We don't run from anybody." They might say he's crazy, but Naclerio deserves credit for his contributions to his players and his dedication to the team.